Page 11 of Faker
Kaitlin hands me a box of my favorite chocolate truffles. “For babysitting last weekend. You’re an angel. Ethan and I needed that date night like you wouldn’t believe.”
I toss the gold box in my purse. “Of course. I’m always on call as a babysitter for you guys.”
“I mean it. You’re more of an aunt to her than my own sister is. That blanket and plushie you bought her are her absolute favorites. And the baby shower you threw.” She shakes her head, a wistful smile on her face. “Everyone still raves about it, and it’s been over a year. No one’s ever done something so thoughtful and sweet for me in my life.”
She gives my leg a soft squeeze, and I can’t help but grin. Kaitlin’s shower was a blast. Pink streamers and balloons everywhere, and a multitiered cake from her favorite local bakery. I stayed up until two a.m. the night before baking macarons for the gift bags. It was exhausting but worth it. Anything for my amazing best friend and her perfect baby.
“You’re wonderful for spending your free time with this little one.” Kaitlin tickles Libby’s socked foot.
Spending time with baby Libby is a joy, and I’m more than happy to be her go-to babysitter. Besides, it’s not like my Saturdaynights are all that busy since I’m a single woman with zero dating prospects.
“I can’t believe she’s almost a year old already,” I say. “She’s going to be walking soon, you know.”
Kaitlin groans. “I know, oh God. Then she’ll be running around, crashing into things. She’s growing so fast.”
“She looks exactly like you.”
When Libby finishes her ice cube, she’s all smiles. I turn her around on my lap so she faces the playground area. Both Libby and Kaitlin have honey blond hair, green eyes, and angelic rosebud mouths.
“Is Ethan annoyed his baby looks nothing like him?”
Kaitlin laughs and shakes her head. “Not at all. He says he’s happy to have a beautiful baby girl who looks just like her mom.”
I laugh through a bittersweet tinge. It’s an odd feeling being the last single one in my circle of close friends. Whenever they talk about their lives or I spend time with their families, it’s a gentle reminder of how far behind I am in the relationship department. Nearly a yearlong dry spell and counting.
I blow a raspberry on Libby’s back and she giggles. “The sound of a baby’s laughter is exactly what I need to hear after the day I’ve had,” I say.
“What happened?”
“Just annoying work stuff. I have to do a project with that jerkoff coworker I told you about. We had a planning session today, and he was a total prick. Shoot, sorry.” I shouldn’t use such salty language in front of Libby and the surrounding little ones.
“Don’t worry about it,” Kaitlin says with a wink. “You should hear the words I use when I’m on two hours of sleep and this little diva is screeching like a beast.”
“Like, the project was his idea in the first place. Why did heeven suggest working with me if all he’s going to do is insult my ideas and make cutting remarks? How we’ll get through this without losing it on each other, I have no idea.” I press a kiss to the back of Libby’s head.
“Do you think you should report him to management for how he’s acting?”
“There’s an idea.” Reporting Tate seems like such a tattletale thing to do. Kaitlin is right, though. I have every right to stand up for myself if he crosses a line.
“Is work going well otherwise?”
“Still surviving as the steely ice queen.”
She nudges me lightly with her elbow. “Ice queen? No way. You’re a girl boss who works hard, kicks butt, and lets no crap slide. I admire you so much.”
I purse my lips. It’s sweet of Kaitlin to rave about me, but part of me wonders if it’s a little sad that this trait she respects about me is actually something that I have to fake. I shove the thought aside.
“How’s Addy doing?” Kaitlin asks.
“Fantastic. She’s a month into her yearlong backpacking trek with Ryan. I’m having a hard time concealing my jealousy.”
“Where are they now?”
“Costa Rica. I’m supposed to Skype with her in a few days to catch up.”
“To be twenty-four and traveling Central and South America with your boyfriend.” Kaitlin smooths her hand over Libby’s hair.
“Tell me about it.” I bounce Libby gently on my lap. “Though they’re going the affordable, minimalist route, staying in hostels. No resorts or hotels on their itinerary. Not sure if you’d be into that.”
